One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones are more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsules, and it is easy to personalize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the standard settings. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.

This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that is reusable. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe that can hold hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great choice if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, with a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.

The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't reuse the capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll return them to reuse.

The machine is also expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to pay for consistently good barista-like results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and a milk frother that can save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines use the same pattern - capsules are placed on the top and then you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. However, every now and then there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is similar to the kind you get at a cafe without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules that are made of premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed in two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.

This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working efficiently. You'll need to wait some time before making another cup of coffee to let the air out.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and ease of operation are all major selling points. Does this little machine meet the coffee capsule machine high standards set by its parent company's standards? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with just a single press of a button. It reads the barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.

It is very simple to use - just insert the desired T disc and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.

It's very easy to clean thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.

If you sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, along with customized offers, tips and advice. You'll also be able to keep track of the condition of your machine and know the amount of water it has been using. It's worth registering your machine when you purchase it, as well.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe, a leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented numerous initiatives to to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have a particular focus on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and the use of renewable energy sources. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff, and they have also developed an "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named one of the World's Most ethical companies for the last seven year. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people, and they have an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.